Top-30 Tahaad Pettiford reacts to Kentucky offer, sets visit to Auburn

Four-star point guard Tahaad Pettiford is On3’s No. 28 overall prospect in the class of 2024. The 6-foot-1 point guard out of Jersey City (N.J.) Hudson Catholic is just beginning the recruitment process and has picked up early offers from Seton Hall, UConn, UCLA, Auburn, and most recently, Kentucky.

Pettiford talks Kentucky offer

“It was really big. I really like Coach Cal. I had spoken to him a few times, prior to the offer. It meant a lot. It showed that my hard work is paying off and that coaches can see what I can do and they’re invested in me and they want me to come to their school and play for them. 

“I really like (Kentucky). They’re a winning school, big school. A lot of pros have come out of there so for (Calipari) to offer me and show me that he wants me to play for him, means I can do something, you know? I can be in the NBA. He sees a future in me and I really love that.”

Official visit to Auburn set, UCLA next

Pettiford says he’s looking to visit UCLA towards the end of August and Auburn on September 17th. He breaks down each program.

UCLA: “A few of the coaches from their staff are from Jersey, so we’re really close. They’re like family to me. I also like the playing style at that school. It’s a guard school. They love to let their players go. It’s also a winning school and I look at that a lot. I like how they produce pros too.”

Auburn: “My favorite player actually went there, Sharife Cooper, so it means a lot. He went there, and he went pro and they’ve also had a few other pros. It’s also a guard school, and they let you go. They show a lot of love. They come and support. I really like the school overall. 

Pettiford discusses Seton Hall, UConn

Pettiford has taken just two unofficial visits so far — Seton Hall and UConn.

Seton Hall: “Seton Hall is like my backyard. Home. There’s nothing like home. They show a lot of love and always come to support me. I also like their school and I like their coaching staff. They’ve told me that they want me to come there and build a dynasty there. You know, start something new. Stay home, and don’t leave. So I always keep that in mind.”

UConn: “UConn, that’s family too. Coach Danny (Hurley) grew up with my dad. So they’re really close. He’s like family. He called me before the game and told me he’s going to be here. I love how they treat me like family, even though I’m not even there yet. They show a lot of love. I love the fan base there. I’ve actually went to one of their games and I love the fan base. I look at that before I commit to a school too.” 

Pettiford talks his game

“I’m a combo guard. I can finish, shoot it from anywhere on the floor, if I need to look for a teammate and get them open, I can also do that. I like to get gritty on defense when needed, get on the floor, get a lot of taps, long rebounds, and get out and go….Anything the coach needs me to bring, I’m going to bring it.”